Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today and encourage my colleagues to support my amendment to the Intelligence Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2013.

Particularly, I want to thank Chairman Rogers and our ranking member, Mr. Ruppersberger, for their bipartisan approach on this particular piece of legislation.

My amendment would authorize the Director of National Intelligence to participate in information sharing with the Republic of Mexico and Canada for the purposes of border security and combating drug trafficking and any related crimes.

Nothing in this amendment requires the Director of National Intelligence to share their information, but based on this information, this amendment simply gives the agency the power to do so in the event that the Director sees the real benefit in combating the flow of drugs throughout the United States and our neighbors.

This important amendment will go a long way in making sure that our northern and southern neighbors have all the tools we can offer to stop the violence and trafficking caused by drug cartels. The Republic of Mexico, Canada, and the United States share a deep concern over the threat to our societies by drug trafficking and other criminal organizations operating on both sides of our common borders. The growing operational and financial capabilities of criminal groups that traffic in drugs, arms, persons, as well as transnational criminal activity, pose a clear and present threat to our lives and the well- being of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican citizens.

North America must make it a priority to break the power and impunity of drug and criminal organizations that threaten the health and public safety of their citizens and the stability and security of the region. Both the Canadian and Mexican Governments are profoundly committed to the concerted bilateral strategic and tactical cooperation necessary to combat effectively this criminal activity, particularly the threat it presents to our Nation's youth and the importance of having adequate access to intelligence information.

This amendment will make whatever intelligence gathered by the United States that can be shared, will be shared to stop the flow of illegal drugs. In addition, this amendment will ensure that whatever intelligence gathered by our neighbors can be properly used by our law enforcement to make sure that we stop the drugs.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I certainly want to say that I do appreciate, again, the work of our ranking member, the chairman. I hope that the chairman is supportive of this amendment, and I certainly want to thank all the committee members.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Again, I want to thank Chairman Rogers for his work, our ranking member also, and the committee staff. Thank you for the support.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I certainly want to thank the ranking member for yielding. I want to thank my good friend from Texas, Chairman Culberson, thank both of them for this bipartisan approach.

Mr. Chairman, contract and other non-VA medical providers play a vital part in the VA medical system, providing veterans medical services throughout the State of Texas and the United States where the VA doesn't currently operate VA-run and -staffed facilities.

Despite the critical role that they play throughout Texas, many of these providers in my south Texas district are experiencing continuing issues with receiving timely compensation for services rendered. Many of the past-due claims are well over 60 days past due.

Non-VA medical providers are dedicated to providing the highest quality medical care possible to the veterans, providing them choice; however, they operate on a fee basis and rely on timely compensation for services rendered to continue to operate. If these providers are unable to receive timely payment from the VA, economic reality will eventually force them to stop providing services to the veterans.

A factor that further complicates this situation is the VA's overall lack of responsiveness to inquiries from medical providers and even Members of Congress about past-due medical payments.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and ranking member.

I want to thank the ranking member for yielding this time to me.

I'm pleased that the House is considering H.R. 915, the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force, or BEST Act, a bipartisan bill by myself and Congressman Michael McCaul from Texas. I would like to thank my friend, Chairman King; my good friend, Ranking Member Thompson; and also Subcommittee Chairwoman Miller for their support of this bill, as this bill was unanimously reported out of the House Homeland Security Committee.

As many of you know, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as other Federal, State, local, and foreign law enforcement counterparts created the BEST initiative--in fact, my hometown of Laredo is the first one--which is a comprehensive approach to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations posing significant threats to border and maritime security.

H.R. 915 would codify the BEST program by authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the director of ICE, to establish the BEST units to make sure that everybody works together and coordinates and communicates together to make sure that we fight crime.

This bill authorizes $10 million per year for the program. And this bill, as the chairman said a few minutes ago, is named in the memory of Jaime Zapata, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent and BEST unit member who was killed in the line of duty in Mexico in February of 2011. We are grateful for Special Agent Zapata's service to our Nation and for the exemplary work of his colleagues in support of homeland security.

Currently, the BEST units are comprised of 750 members, representing over 100 law enforcement agencies working together. These BEST units are building an impressive record of success. And I'm asking now that we all support this particular bill.

Again, I want to thank the chairman, the ranking member of the subcommittee, my friend Michael McCaul, and urge all Members to support this important bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, on May 17th, I was unable to vote on rollcall 263, to H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act of FY13. This was Representative Rohrabacher's amendment, prohibiting the availability of funds for assistance to Pakistan in Fiscal Year 2013. I wish to have the Record show I would have opposed this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring Mayor of the City of La Vernia in Texas, Harold Schott. He was elected Mayor of the City of La Vernia in May 2008 and ends his tenure in May 2012. His tireless efforts have improved the community and served to better the development and progress of the City of La Vernia.

Mr. Schott was born in Castroville, Texas and grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from the Central Catholic High School. At twenty-five years old, he joined the San Antonio Police Department in 1970. In his duration with the department, he was a Police Department Union Representative for his substation. After 33 years of dedication and service, he retired from the Police Department in 2003. His work with the City of La Vernia began in 1998 when he was elected to the La Vernia City Council and held his position as a council member for a decade. By May 2008, he was elected Mayor of the City of La Vernia. I had the pleasure of working with the Mayor on various projects, such as securing a $500,000 earmark on a new water well and assistance for a grant that brought a new energy efficient roof for City Hall.

His work as Mayor led to a list of accomplishments that benefited the city and people of La Vernia, including new pumps and vault at Wood Creek water plant, TMRS Retirement plans for employees, and residential water meter replacement. Additionally, he increased safety and protections by reducing speed limits at the city limits and developed emergency response plans for water and wastewater systems. His actions were for the betterment of the community and commendable.

Along with serving the city, he sat on the Canyon Regional Water Authority Board of Trustees from 2004 through 2012. He has been married to his wife, Lucy, who has served as a U.S. Marshal for 17 years. The couple has two children and one grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Harold Schott, retiring Mayor of the City of La Vernia. His years of dedication and commitment to our community have truly impacted the quality of lives for the people of the city.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring Chief of Police, Robert

``Bobby'' Hyatt of the City of La Vernia in Texas. He has dedicated his career to assisting and protecting the south Texas community through his work and efforts. Chief Hyatt retired from the City of La Vernia Police Department on November 30, 2011, after 17 years of faithful service, making him the longest sitting Chief in the State of Texas.

Mr. Hyatt grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Burbank High School. He began his law enforcement career at the young age of 21. Mr. Hyatt joined the San Antonio Police Department in 1963. Chief Hyatt retired from the San Antonio Police Department after 31 years of faithful service on Friday, July 29, 1994, and began work as the Chief of Police for the City of La Vernia on Monday, August 1, 1994. Some of his notable career accomplishments include escorting many dignitaries while they visited the City of San Antonio, including Presidents of the United States and the Queen of England. Towards the end of his career in San Antonio he worked as an applicant processing officer, conducting background checks on new cadet candidates for the San Antonio Police Department.

When he began his tenure in the City of La Vernia, he was the only police officer in the City--making him a vital asset in the area for their law enforcement. When he retired, he had a department consisting of six full-time officers, including him and eight reserve officers. Chief Hyatt retired from the City of La Vernia Police Department on November 30, 2011, after 17 years of committed service. Mr. Hyatt has been married to his wife Pat for 54 years. The couple has three children and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary commitment to former Chief of Police Robert ``Bobby'' Hyatt for serving and protecting the communities in Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mission Sharyland Rattlers varsity soccer team of Sharyland High School in Sharyland, Texas on winning the UIL Class 5A state boys soccer championship. The Sharyland Rattlers boys' soccer team victoriously ended a long season on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown, Texas.

A crowd of more than 750 fans watched the Sharyland Rattlers team win 3 2 in a shootout to defeat Katy Morton Ranch. In their long 31 3 3 winning season, this outstanding boys' soccer team proved that hard work, dedication, and skill are the perfect recipe for champions. These high school soccer players were led to the championship title through the tireless leadership of their Head Coach Reveriano Hernandez. I congratulate the educators and leaders of this superb team. Key players in the team include Most Valuable Player during the Championship game Jesus Olivarez and Jorge Medina, Most Valuable Player Defensive during the Championship game. Parents, faculty, family, friends and former students traveled to the championship game to support and encourage the boys' soccer team. This championship marks an accomplishment and proud occasion for the team, school and those who attended the game to show their support.

Sharyland High School is part of the Sharyland Independent School District. It was Sharyland's first time playing at the UIL state tournament and has now set a pace for winning tradition as the school's first state soccer championship for Sharyland High School. The Sharyland Rattlers have been recognized for setting the area record for 31 (wins) 3 (ties) 3 (loses). With the motivation to bring home the state championship the team devoted 18 hours a week in training and practiced diligently during Christmas and Spring Break.

I am honored to praise the accomplishments of Sharyland, Texas' home team, the Sharyland Rattlers boys' soccer team as the Class 5A boys' soccer state title champions. Congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the 1,000th graduation ceremony of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, where members of this graduating class will be assigned to one of three Border Patrol sectors: Tucson, Arizona, Del Rio or in my Congressional district in Laredo, Texas.

As an active member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the U.S. House of Representatives, I understand the vital role that Border Patrol plays in securing our country, while facilitating trade and travel responsibilities and enforcing drug laws to protect our nation. Border patrol is a critical component for my Congressional district that sits along the nation's southwest border, as well. Their national presence along the border is necessary to ensure Americans' safety, protect our homeland and serve our nation and is greatly appreciated. The men and women of the Border Patrol make up the largest law enforcement organization; therefore this 1,000th graduating class is a milestone for the agency and enables the organization to foster increased security, trade and travel at the border.

Every day, the Border Patrol processes over 932,000 passengers and pedestrians and over 64,000 truck, rail and sea containers, based on fiscal year 2011 data. Nearly 14,000 pounds of drugs are seized on a typical day showing the product of their vigilance to law enforcement and protection. The intricate composition of the organization includes a range of professionals such as, trade specialists, intelligence analysts, agricultural scientists and more to run an efficient system. With 21,063 CBP officers, 21,137 border patrol agents and 1,220 air and marine agents, their service is unified to their sole mission-- ``securing America's borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade'' as their slogan states.

The graduation ceremony was held on April 12th and included the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, David V. Aguilar, and Chief of the United States Border Patrol, Michael J. Fisher.

I look forward to members of this graduating class being assigned to the three sectors, including Laredo, Texas in my Congressional district. Congratulations and thank you for your vital work to secure the homeland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Charles ``Chuck'' W. Owen, a former Laredo Morning Times news reporter, Church of Christ Minister and veteran. Mr. Owen's actions in his lifetime resonate with the community as he strived to focus on his faith in his work and his family.

While Mr. Owen was born in Dickson, Tennessee in 1940, his family notes that he was a Laredoan by choice, not birth. By the young age of 19 years old, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas where he met his wife, Clema Owen. By 1962 they married and raised their daughters while they traveled the world. He was an air traffic controller and instructor during his naval career and was the youngest air traffic controller in the history of the naval air station at Corpus Christi. His career in the Navy led him on three tours of Antarctica.

He retired from the military while in Corpus Christi and became a small business owner with a commercial refrigeration business. After 10 years, he sold his business and ventured into the hotel business, La Quinta Inns where they hired husband-and-wife teams. Working alongside with his wife for 8 years, he then started contributing religious articles to the local newspaper, the Laredo Morning Times.

As active members of the Church, Mr. Owen had established a church in Laredo 12 years ago, even though he was a member of a different congregation. He was devoted to studying the Bible and retired as a pastor from the congregation in June of 2011 due to his health.

Mr. Owen serviced our country as a U.S. Navy lieutenant, delved in the business community as a small business owner, wrote religious contributions to the local paper and served as a minister to his faith. He was faithful, loving and generous in all his work for the community and his family. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the late Chuck Owen. His devotion to the community has truly impacted many lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Maria Antonia ``Toni'' Juarez, a devoted teacher and friend to the community in South Texas. Ms. Juarez modeled the virtue of charity throughout her lifetime and the impact of her care for children and those in need will resonate even after her passing.

As a Laredo native, Ms. Juarez was active in the community. At the young age of six, she was already involved in assisting her parish, San Jose Church by teaching catechism. Her Saturday mornings were dedicated to cleaning the Church and her evenings were spent practicing choir or participating in meetings devoted to Saint Theresa. She graduated from Saint Augustine High School in 1953 where she met her husband, Beto Juarez and married a year after graduation.

Ms. Juarez resumed her education at the University of Texas between 1967 and 1969 while serving as Preschool Head Teacher in

the City of Austin Child Development Program. Her family, including her six children and husband spent another academic year, 1969 1970, in Guadalajara. While in Mexico, she continued to catalogue archival materials and to serve as preschool consultant and trainer at the American School of Guadalajara and completed Montessori training by correspondence. The couple and their six children then moved to Davis, California from 1970 to 1975 where she was offered the job of Preschool Head Teacher. In 1975 she was appointed Regional Education Coordinator at Woodland for the Butte County Schools. Even though she was working full-time, she managed to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from Sacramento State University in 1974.

In 1975, the family returned to Laredo where Ms. Juarez was appointed Child Development Program Director for the city of Laredo. She became a full-time graduate student thereafter and earned her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and Reading from Laredo State University in 1987. Her work as a kindergarten teacher at United Independent School District in 1987 1988 was one of the most enriching experiences. Offered a position as adjunct instructor at Laredo State University, she jumped at the chance of training future teachers to carry out the work she loves in child development.

One of Ms. Juarez's greatest commitments was her contribution to the Laredo Children's Museum Board of Trustees, having served as a member of the board since the early 1990s. Simultaneously, she was devoted to teaching religious courses to San Martin de Porres Church and Adult Education and Ministry Formation for the Diocese of Laredo until her passing.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the late Antonia ``Toni'' Juarez. Her devotion to children, her family and the community have truly impacted many lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the commitment of the late Mayor Hal Baldwin of Schertz, Texas. Mr. Baldwin, one of the longest continuously serving council members in the state of Texas served on the Schertz City Council for twenty-nine years and as the city's Mayor of another eighteen years. Mayor Baldwin's nearly forty years of service to the community will echo even in his passing.

Mr. Baldwin, the Wichita, Kansas native moved to Schertz, Texas in 1967 as he was finishing a 20-year enlisted career in the Air Force with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. While on active duty, Baldwin served with the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, Naha Air Force Base, Okinawa, during the latter months of the Korean War. He also served at Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the Vietnam War. He finished his military career at Randolph Air Force Base, where he served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Command Graphics Branch, Presentations Division, Headquarters, Air Training Command.

By the early 1970s, Baldwin's first interaction with city government was with the Citizens Advisory Committee that advised City Council on matters. Later, he partook in a program called ``Project Transition'' which was an Air Force program that sought to let retiring members work half a day in a civilian job for a period of time until they retired and could work full time in that job. As a tax-assessor collector for the City of Schertz as his half day civilian job, he learned about city government and issues. After six years, he took a job as a business manager for the school district and served in this position until his retirement in 1998.

After serving his country and learning the ropes of city government, his political career began. He was appointed as a City Council member and in 1994 he ran for Mayor of Schertz, won and served in that position until 2012. His landmark services as Mayor include the formation of the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation and more recently raising awareness of historical places in the area, such as a number of century old homes in the city. I had the honor of working collaboratively with Baldwin since 2006 on projects for the City of Schertz, including bringing a new Post office to the area.

The mayor and Mrs. Barbara Baldwin were married for 55 years, they have five children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in the Schertz area. Mayor Hal Baldwin's love for the Schertz community can be measured by one simple fact--he has spent half his life in public service to that community.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the late Mayor Hal Baldwin. His hard work and valor have truly impacted many lives and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Kaleb Canales who was named the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, NBA, on March 15, 2012. Mr. Canales is the youngest active head coach in the NBA and the first Mexican-American to hold this position in the league's history.

Mr. Canales was born on July 7, 1978, in Laredo, Texas, and graduated from Alexander High School in 1996. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington and his master's degree in Sports Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon completing his education, Mr. Canales moved back to Laredo and coached at Martin High School from 2001 through 2002 and United High School from 2002 through 2003.

Mr. Canales moved on to join the men's basketball coaching staff at the University of Texas at Arlington. He worked on the UT-Arlington staff for a year before moving on to become an unpaid intern for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2004 through 2005. Mr. Canales' career with the Trail Blazers started in 2005 when he was designated as the team's video coordinator, a position he held until 2008. After serving as the video coordinator, Mr. Canales was promoted to assistant coach and held that title until the 15th of this month when he was named interim head coach.

His story is one of passion and persistence; one that is truly admirable that sets an example for our youth today. Mr. Canales has demonstrated that with hard work and goals, accomplishments will follow. This young Laredoan has made us all very proud and we look forward to his work in the NBA.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize Mr. Canales' great background and accomplishments. His hard work and determination has truly had a positive impact on the Laredo and Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the commitment and sacrifice of PFC Juan Meza. Mr. Meza served in Company B 399th Infantry Unit during World War II from October 1944 until March 1946 and demonstrated great bravery and dedication as a soldier for the United States Army.

Mr. Meza was born December 15, 1925 in Laredo, Texas. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Europe. During his service, he was wounded twice in combat and remained in- country until 1946 after a cease fire was declared. By March 1946, Mr. Meza was honorably discharged. When Mr. Meza returned to Laredo, Texas, he married Antonia Galvan and together they raised six children. After serving in the Army, he dedicated more than 35 years of service to U.S Customs and Border Protection and retired happily in Laredo.

Mr. Meza is very proud of his time and experiences while serving in the military. Experiences that are only unique to an American hero and veteran are those that he can recall as if it were yesterday. One specific memory beckons Mr. Meza to a cold New Year's Eve day in 1944, when he outwitted a band of German soldiers at a listening post in France and his actions led to saving the lives of several Americans and Allied troops. Every scent he smelled, every sound he heard and every color he saw that day is imprinted in his memory. At 86 years of age, he tells the story with passion and no details are left out when he was triumphant against the enemy for the lives of his brothers and freedom of the nation.

During Mr. Meza's time in the Army he showed great courage and by using his intelligence, knowledge and common sense he not only survived a tremendous war, he also helped young soldiers like himself return home

to their families and loved ones. He is a highly decorated veteran. His awards include the World War II Victory Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon and Two Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart, One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and a Distinguished Unit Badge. He was also nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize Mr. Meza's accomplishments and faithful service to our country. His hard work and valor have truly impacted many lives and our community. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a landmark event in history known as ``Black January''. This was a day when Azerbaijani citizens stood up to the Soviet government and gave up their lives for freedom from communism and dictatorship. Indeed, January 20, 1990, in Baku, Azerbaijan, has become a symbol of when the Soviet empire lapsed.

At midnight, on January 19, 1990, twenty-six thousand Russian troops flooded the capital city of Baku with tanks. Armed with a state of emergency declared by the U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet Presidium and signed by then President Mikhail Gorbachev, the incursion was intended to suppress a growing independence movement. The end result was the opposite as the incident inflamed Azerbaijani nationalism and contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union.

The national independence movement had reached a remarkable momentum with hundreds of thousands demonstrating for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The emerging democratic groups and protesters called for independence from the Soviet Union and removal of Communists officials. On the night of January 19-20, more than 130 people died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and 5 went missing. In the days after the invasion, thousands of Azerbaijanis surrounded Communist Party headquarters demanding the resignation of the republic's leadership. Soviet troops were eventually withdrawn from Baku, but political control was maintained for almost another 2 years until Azerbaijan's parliament declared independence in October 1991. The Republic of Azerbaijan has maintained its independence for more than 17 years.

Today, Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country with double digit growth, in large part due to a freely elected president and parliament, free market reforms led by the energy sector, and, most importantly, no foreign troops on its soil.

Mr. Speaker, let us remember those who sacrificed their lives and those who stood against communism and dictatorship on the monumental ``Black January'' day on January 20, 1990.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of La Posada Hotel, a historical treasure and cultural icon of the community of Laredo, Texas.

La Posada Hotel stands on the banks of the Rio Grande and in the heart of Laredo's Historic Business District, a quiet but proud tribute to the Spanish, Mexican and Texan architectural influences that many Texas cities are proud to call their own. The hotel's classic entrance, its windows wrapped in decorative wrought-iron, and Spanish-tile decked veranda draped with the Seven Flags of Texas all face the historic San Agustin Plaza.

The building was established in 1916 and was first the home of old Laredo High School until 1961, when Tom Herring opened the hotel centered on the school building. La Posada is comprised of three additional historic 19th-century buildings: the Tack Room, formerly the Bruni House, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the San Agustin ballroom, formerly a convent. Renowned for its world-class accommodations and high-quality customer service, La Posada is also home to two award-winning restaurants, Zaragoza Grill and The Tack Room. It has undergone a $17-million renovation that has enabled it to become a premier hotel in Laredo and to continue its role as a contributor to the community's economy.

La Posada has also become the elegant setting of some of Laredo's most acclaimed events, including the George Washington's Birthday Celebration, and host to illustrious figures including U.S. Senators, U.S. Congressmen, and international public officials and diplomats.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the time to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of La Posada Hotel and its historical, cultural and economic significance to the community of Laredo, Texas. I thank you for this time.